Timing mechanism



March 9, 1954 2,671,830

W. P. GALLAGHER ETAL TIMING MECHANISM Filed July '7, 1950 3 Sheeis-Sheet 1 u llllllllllllllllw l i I I [l t Eff@ y k .l

N VEN TORS ATTQRNEYS l March 9, 1954 w. P. GALLAGHl-:R ErAL 2,671,830

' TIMING MECHANISM Filed July 7, 1.950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TORS ATTRNEYS March 9, 1954 w. P. GALLAGHER ErAL 2,671,830

TIMING MEcHANIsM Filed July 7, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 l INVENTOR' wWfd/e,

ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 9, 1954 TIMING MECHANISM William P. Gallagher, River` Forest, and Anthony Dan Stolle, Chicago, Ill., assignors to International Register Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application July 7, 1950, Serial No. 172,586

(Cl. 20D-38) 19 Claims. l

This invention relates to time switches of the type used for opening and closing electrical circuits at predetermined times during a twentyfour hour period. Switches of this type are used extensively for controlling electric lights for the illumination of signs, windows, streets, etc., and for numerous other uses where it is desired to have circuit opening and closing operations occur automatically at preset times of the day or night in repeating succession without having to perform any resetting operations. `I-eretofore these switch mechanisms have involved a rather intricate arrangement of parts, which not only made manufacture expensive but made the manual setting and operation rather inconvenient. Moreover, where different types of circuits had to be controlled involving diiferent combinations or arrangements of switching contacts, a complete time switch had to be provided for each different arrangement of contacts. Certain of these situations involving a particular arrangement of contacts are more infrequently encountered than are others. Nevertheless, the manufacturer and supplier of this type of equipment had to stock a full line of switches in order to be prepared for all demands, the infrequent as well as for the more frequent. This has often meant much idle inventory over a long period of time.v

Furthermore, the connection of this type o switch to devices which they are designed to control generally has involved special wiring and necessitated the employment of expert help for that purpose.

The main objects of this invention, therefore, are to provide a time switch of this kind having improved switch operating mechanism capable of either automatic or manual operation; to provide a switch operating mechanism of this kind having improved means for eifecting the quick make and break of the switch contacts; to provide improved means for eiecting an adjustment of the time dial with respect to the motor driven timing means and the switch operating mechanism so as to set the dial to confrom to the time of day; to provide an improved switch operating mechanism for timing switches of this kind which permits any one of a plurality of panels mounting different types of switches to be interchangeably associated with the switch operating mechanism; to provide an improved form and arrangement of tripper means on the time dial for predetermining the times for effecting the actuation of the switch operating mechanism; to provide an improved form and mounting of tripper devices on thetime dial so that the user can quickly add or remove tripping devices at will, whereby to obtain any desired combinations of on and off times up to approximately twelve each for a twenty-four hour period; to provide improved means for releasably holding a time switch of this kind in a housing; to provide a time switch of this kind with improved means for interposing it between the equipment to be controlled and a receptacle in an existing electrical circuit; and to provide an improved time switch of this kind having a small number of parts of simplified construction and assembly which makes for economical manufacture, permits easy adjustment, and insures accurate operation. In the embodiment of this invention shown in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a time switch constructed in accordance with this invention arranged in a housing, the door of the housing being open to more clearly illustrate the manner in which the time switch is removably held in place in the housing;

Y Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail of the same, taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, showing in full outline the manner in which the switch mounting is releasably held in position in the housing and showing in dotted outline the angular position which the mounting assumes when inserted or removed from the housing;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective of the interior of the upper left hand corner of the housing showing the lugs and the spring which ooact to releasably hold the time switch mounting in place in the housing;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the improved switch operating mechanism constructed in accordance with this invention, the parts being shown lin their on position;

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the switch operating mechanism in its orf position;

Figs. 6 and 7 are fragmentary details showing the spring whereby the switch operating mechanism eifects a quick make and break of the switch contacts;

Fig. 8 is a rear View of the improved switch operating mechanism as shown in Fig. 4;

Figs. 9 and l0 are perspective Views of the slightly modied forms of tripper means which effect the automatic shifting of the switch operating mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a rear view similar to Fig. 8 but showing a switch panel having a form of switch different from that shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. .12,is an exploded view of this improved time switch;

Fig. 13 is a verticaLvsectional, elevation of 3 this improved time switch, taken on the plane of the line |3|3 of Fig. 4, showing in dotted outline the aXially adjustable position of the time gear and time dial which permits a rotation of the time dial independent of the motor driven time gearing;

Fig. 14 is a `horizontal sectional view of the same taken on the plane of the line |4|4 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 15 is a rear view or" a panel, with another switch arrangement, which may be attached vto the time switch mounting plate to be actuated by the switch operating mechanism.

An improved time switch Vconstructed in vaccordance with this invention comprises a plate A mounting a switch operating mechanism B actuated by a motor driven control mechanism C for opening and closing am one of a plurality of switch means D, interchangeably mountable on the mounting plate A, all of which is supported in a housing E so vformed as to permit easy placing and removal thereof.

The mounting plate A `is a flat piece of metal recessed at 23, to permit the convenient attachment of a motor 2|, and at .22 and 23, to respectively span a hinge 24 ,for the housing cover 25 and lreceive the `free end of a housing retaining spring 26. A V-shaped extension V21 provides for a mounting of the switch operating mechanism B. On the back of thevplate A are ,posts 2.8 to which the motor 2| is attached and on the front are vstud shafts 29, 30, and 3|, and alpin 32, which provide for the appropriate journalling of the motor driven time control mechanism C and the switch ,operating mech- .anism B will be described presently.

The motor 2| herein shown, is of the synchronous type conventionally used with this type of switch mechanism.

The switch :operating 4mechanism B comprises a pair of switch actuating arms 33 and 34 swing-ably mounted on the plate 21 and whose relative swinging is controlled `by the trippers 35 or 33, on the time control mechanism 0, and a U-shaped spring 31, interposed between stake ,pins 38 and 39 on the respective arms 33 and `34.

These two switch actuating arms 33 and 34 are swngably mounted, in superimposed relationship, by a stud shaft 4.0 and the stud shaft 3| on the V-shaped plate :extension 21. These stud shafts 4|) and 3| are ,located intermediate the stud shaft 23, which lmounts a Ytime gear 4| and dial 42 of the motor operated control mechanism `and the apex of the V-shaped plate extension 21, `with the spring .31 nterposed between said arms 33 and 34.

The arm :33 is formed with :a socket 43 at its outer end, to receive a pin 44 on a `switch cam 45 for any one of the switches D, and is slotted at `31.1 to receive the stud shaft 3| so as to permit the swinging of `the arm 3.3 sumcient to effect the desired opposite shifting of the switch cam 45.

The arm 34 mounts a pair of hubs 4'6 `and 41 -press tted or ,otherwise secured in holes in the arm 34, the former 46 serving as a bearing for the arm 34 on the stud shaft 3| and the latter 41 mounting a plate 48 providing shoulders 49 and 50 positioned to be engaged by the respective trippers 35 and 36 for shifting the switch actuating arm 33.` At its inner end the arm 34 is recessed at 5| to form a fork the ends of which are bent down to provide shoulders `52 and 53 which strike the-studshaf-t 29 and limit the swinging movement of the arm 34. At its lower end the arm 34 is formed with an offset extension 54, beyond the periphery of the time dial 42, whereby the arm 33 may be manually shifted. The face of the extension 54 is scored with the Words ron and 0E and arrows indicating the direction of throw.

The arm 34 is removably secured on the stud shaft 3| by a C washer 46.1 seated in annular recess in the end of said shaft.

As will be most apparent from Fig. 12, the stake pin 38 vis mounted on the arm 33 and extends through a slot 55 in the arm 34, whereas the stake pin 39 is `mounted on the arm 34 and extends throughs. slot 56 in the arm 33. The U-shaped spring 31 has the ends of the parallel parts thereof crimped as shown at 51, in which crimps the pins 38 and 39 are received to secure the spring 31 in operative relationship with the arms 33 and .34. These two pins 38 and .39, against which the ends .of the U-shaped .compression spring 31 react, swing in non-concentric. non-intersecting arcs indicated Vin dotted lines at y and e in Figures 6 .and 7. The compression spring 31 exerts a constant spreading force tending to separate the spring reaction pins .33 and 39. The positioning and spacing v pins `38 and 39 on the members V33 and 34 are such that in the opposite swinging of the actuating arm 34 the pin 33 is oppositely moved across the line r--rc through the axes 4of the `stud shafts 3| and 4U, of the respective arm members .34 and 33, (see Figs. 6 and 7). Thisresults in the other or second spring reaction pin 38 being snapped .across the line -x to the opposite side, thus effecting a snap throw of the actuated arm 33, which in turn is transmitted to .the switch cam 45 for effecting a quick make and break of the contacts of any one of the different types of switches D.

The motor-driven control mechanism 6, for the switch operating-mechanism B..comprises the interconnected time Wheel .4| and dial 42, the gearing 58, and the trippers 35 and l36.

The time gear 4| and dial 42 are `secured in fixed axial .relationship by a collar 53 slidably mounted on the stud shaft 29. The gear 4| .is normally urged by a spring 'into .mesh with a pinion .6| forming apart of the motor driven gearing 58.

The dial y42 has the face `thereof .suitably marked and imprinted (see Fig. l) with arabic figures and words to represent the two twelvehour periods of time between noon and midnight, the morningf' afternoon .evening, and aitermidnight divisions, and instructions for operating the dial to alter `the setting .thereof with respect to a pointer 63. Adjacent its outer periphery the dial is embossed to form an arcuate shaped circumferential bead 42.1 .which provides support for the trippers 35 and 3'6.

The gearing 58 is of conventional form comprising gears 65 and 66. The gear 65 mounts the pinion 6| and meshes with a pinion 31 on the gear 6.6 which in turn meshes with a pinion 62 driven by the motor 21|. This gearing r,is sized and arranged .so as to revolve the 1dial=42 once in twentyfour hours.

The trippers 35 and 36 as herein shown "are metal stampings bent to form a U-shaped base 68 `having converging legs extending transversely from the ends of the parallel parts of the Uf-shaped base 68. The legs are secured together at their outer ends by a clip 19 and onefof which legs 63 mounts a shoulder 1| or 1|a. From lthe .5 transverse part of the U-shaped base 68 extends a pointer-shaped ear 12, parallel to the legs 69. Theear 12 mounts a threaded pin 13 whereby the tripper 35 0r 36 is secured in place on the time dial 42. Arcuate shaped shoulders 14 are formed on the legs 69 directly under the pin 13, which shoulders 14 fit in the time dial bead 42.1 to coact with the pin 13 to insure a more rigid support of the trippers 35 and 36 on the time dial 42.

As will be noted from Figs. 9 and 10, the only difference between the trippers 35 and 36 is that the shoulder 1l for the tripper 55 is at the outer end of one of the legs 59, whereas for the tripper 66 the shoulder 1m is near the inner end of the leg '69. Thus, when in place on the time dial 42 the shoulder 1l on the tripper 35 is located inthe path of the shoulder 49 on the arm 34, whereas the shoulder 11a. on the tripper 36 is located in the path of the shoulder 50 on the arm 34. Hence, the shoulders 1l and 1|a. on the respective trippers 35 and 36 effect the opposite shifting of the arm 34, as these shoulders contact and pass the respective shoulders 49 and 56 on the arm 34. l

The trippers 35 and 36 may befurther distinguished from each other in not only marking them respectively ofi and on but also forming them of dierent colored metals or with other color distinctions.

One or more pairs of the trippers 35 and 36 may be mounted on the dial 42 so as to obtain several opposite shiftings of the switch operating mechanism B during a period of twenty-four hours.

The spring 60 embraces the outer end of the stud shaft 29 and is interposed between the end of the collar 59 and the pointer 53 secured to the end of the stud shaft 29 by a screw 64. The spring 60 thus permits an axial shifting of the interconnected time gear 4I and dial 42 so as to disengage the time gear 4l from engagement with the pinion 6l and allow the interconnected time gear and dial to be rotated for the purpose of setting the dial 42 in any desired position with respect to the pointer 63. This outward axial shifting of the interconnected time gear 4l and dial 42 also shifts the tripper shoulders 1| and lia. out of the paths of the shoulders 49 and 50 on the arm 34 to permit the rotation of the dial 42, when the time gear 4l is disengaged from the pinion 6I.

Hence, the dial 42 can be unmeshed and rotated to a new position in the setting of the device even after the time cycle established by the positions of the trippers 35 and 35 has been set up on the dial 42.

' As hereinbefore noted, time switches of this kind are used for controlling circuits for various kinds of equipment. More generally, these switches which control these circuits are referred to as single pole, single throw, double pole, double throw, double pole, single throw, etc. The main difference between these switches is the number of switch arms (see Figs. 8, 11 and 15), whether they have single contacts or both front and back contacts, and the form of the switch cam used for operating these switch arms.

The herein-shown form and arrangement of the switch operating mechanism B and the time-actuated control mechanism C makes possible the use of these mechanisms with any one of these three different types of switches D which may be interchangeably connected to the mounting plate AJ Y Each of these switches D comprises a. panel of insulating material 15 on the back of which is mounted one or more spring contact arms 16 positioned so as to be actuated by the switch cam 45 for shifting the arm or arms 16 to make and break contact between contacts 11 and 18.

The arm or arms 16 and the contacts 18 are generally supported on angle blocks 19l and 19', respectively, one leg of each of which is secured to the front of the panel 15 and provided with the usual binding post and Each panel is also provided with a neutral binding post 8|. Suitable wires 82 and 83 lead from one of the angle blocks 19 and from the neutral binding post 80 to the motor 2l. The other wires are adapted to be attached to the binding posts 80 and 80 for connecting the switch D in circuit with the device, the operation of which is to be controlled by this mechanism.

The switch cam 45 for any of these switches D is swiveled on the panel 15, on a pin 45.1, so that the opposite wings 84 and 85 contact one or two spring arms 16, for the purpose of shifting it or them to make and break engagement between the contact 11 and 18. The pin 44 on the switch cam 45 extends through a slot 86 in the panel 15 and into the socket 43 on the arm 33 of the switch operating mechanism B.

IThe panel 15 for each of the switches D is apertured at 81 to receive a pilot post on the mounting plate A to insure a proper positioning of the panel to locate the switch cam pin 44 in the socket 43 or" the arm 33. Along its sides, the panel is recessed at 96 and 9| so that it will pass certain lugs on the housing to permit the ready insertion of the plate A and panel 15 into the housing E, and the removal therefrom, as will be explained presently.

The housing E, as herein shown, is in the form or a metal box 92 with a cover 93. The box is formed with slots 94 and 95 to support the cover hinges 24. Both sides of the box also have shoulders 96, 91, 98, and 99, struck inwardly therefrom to provide support for the mounting plate A and the switch panel 15. At the top of the box is a spring |05 which releasably retains the mounting plate A in position on and in Contact with the shoulders 96 and 91 respectively.

As will be most apparent from Figs. 1 and 2, the hinges 24 are formed from strips of metal which extend through slots in the cover 25 and have their ends inserted through the slots 94 and 95. The end of the hinge extending through the slot 94 is bent downwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, and the end extending through the slot S5 is twisted so as to prevent the removal of the cover 25 from the box 92 until and unless the twist is taken out of that end of the hinge strip.

As will be most apparent from Fig. 3, the shoulders 66 and 98 provide support for the mounting plate A and switch panel 15, respectively, holding them in spaced relationship to the back of the box so that the parts on the underside of the plate and panel are out of contact with the box. The shoulders 91 serve as abutments for the mounting plate A against which the plate is held by the spring 60 to prevent any longitudinal movement in the box 92. The shoulders 99 en gage the upper face of the panel 15 and prevent it from being accidentally elevated, particularly when theinterconnected time wheel 4l and dial 42 are being shifted axially on the stud shaft 29 'Zi fori-adjustingzthegtime dial1..with.;respect to the pointe-r B3.

Theispring |100 isiormedzwith. ahook IIlI. .pro-

vitlinga:ledge` lil-2.disposed` in the plane ofthe shoulders .96 'ancl:98,.and servingto hold the upper end of theinountingfplate A against des pressionfinthelbox 92 Thehook IIll `presents a shoulder |03:whichpreventstheremovahof the mounting plate; A unless` .and until the spring.

IM" is iretracted` so. as. to :move f .the .shoulder I 03 outwardlyof the upperedge ofi the mounting plate fA..\.at; the .point of the recess `22. .The spring-l-.is weldedttoithe.innerface of the top ofthe boxzszv near.` the. lefthand. corner ata point conveniently: accessible for` depressionA by. aflriger on onahandxwliilefthe other hand gripsftheitime dialin. to permitthe removalof the mounting plateciA and. its mechanismsfromthe housing llE.)1

fArshouldered and.;.aper.tured springI tongue H18, weldedito the. inner aceof one. side of the housingtil 2,l extends. through. a slot i H19. inthe cover; 25 whereby. the. cover .2 5'. is` releasably heldin closed position. ,The aperture inthe tongue Ipermits the insertion of a lockto. secure the cover against unauthorizedopening.

"Ehe-.box 9.2 offthehousing "E is alsoprovided With'the usualknockout. disks L54 whereby wires or'conduitsmaysbeiinserted for connecting a switch D .withafsource of power and .with a circuitto be v.controlledbythe operation cf .this device.

,With devices ofthis type heretofore provided, it .has generally been fnecessary to employ a licensed electrician to :connect up. the switch with theecircuits. `Ln ,orderfto obviate that necessity forvmany situations, this improved switch mecha. nisrn mounts` an electrical receptacle I Q5 (see. Fig. 1f.).in.;one off the openings formed by knockingout afdisk I1ll4andwhich receptacle is suitably connectedto the appropriate switch D. .A grommet IBG; preferably of. rubber, is inserted in one of the othenwopenings formedby knocking out a disk |5841 through whichwires from a plug I-'l lead to aiswitchfDP' Iniorder to protectfone from accidentally touchingthe contact bars Z9 and 19t', exposed on the frontofxthe switch panel 1), a inaskf IIG is re.- movably arranged over the switch panel'l. The mask lli) isa. piece of insulating-material and, asrn'lostv clearly shown in'Figs. 1 and 1l, comprises a pair .or substantially "V-shaped Vparts which: are.l recessed-at. I I I. to be seated in. notches I'I;2:.on.the1.post II'3f-'by means of which a switch nanel- 'I5`r is securedrtothe mountingplate A.

v'llheoperaticn von this improvedV til-nefswitch: is substantially as` follows:

Qbviously, in; putting.` this `time switch into use, it..\ivould` first haveV to.` beV set `to correctly corrc-v spond with the time of day. This is very readily effected by gripping. with one hand .the periphery o f the time dial'llz andA pulling it axially against the action of the spring et soas to disengage the time. gear 4.I from. the pinion GI. Thereupon, the timedial 42 may be turned in eitherdirecton to bring the proper markings on the dial 42 into alinement with the time pointer 63. Upon being thusset and released, theV spring ilwill automatically rei-engage the time gear 4I with the pinion 6 I.

.The desired number of trippers and 36V are positioned on the time dial-42 opposite the markings indicative of the times at which. the switch operating-means B is to be actuated foivtlie Qpeningand closing of oneof vthe switch means time dia-l 42 so as to D. rIt williebe. noted...that;severa1,pairs of the trippers. 3.5,.` and .3.6 .may be placed.. on.:A the dial L42 and each firmly heldzin position .bythe turning of the threaded pin i113; l'so t as .to `draw tlie shoul.v ders "i4 on, the..tripper :into .the time .-dialybead; 42.1.

As. thetime,y dial .42trotates, the shoulders 'IL-and' 'I:.I'a..'on` the .trippers 35 .and 36'. .are .successively brought into..engagementr with the reslziectlve` shoulders 49 and 50 on the plate 48 mountedfon` the .l arm.. 34 feccentrically :of its stud shaft .pivot 45. the .respectivefshouldersz lil. and `11a,- con` tacttheshoulders 49 tand 5,0, the Varm. 34 walter. natelyhiftedin opposite.. direct-ions.- SuchA ope.

. positeeshiftingmf the .arm v.34..rnoves the .pin 39 thereonabackandforth.acrossia line X through thefaxis. of the studishaft. 3 i: on which the. arm 34 isvpivoted andtheaxis of the .stud shaft llIlVon.V

which thelarm 33 isipivoted,and mayfincludethe.

axis oftheswitch.camswvel pin.45.1. llacht-ime.` this pin :39.'crosses .the line X through` these.V

pivots, :the V.spring elcomes into actionto-snap the. connecticxro the arm 33. and theswitch. cam. pin. across said linesandtherebyneiect a quick make and break of the contact buttons `lil:- and-18.

on a switch .Df .The characterof this action-is mostV clearlyindicated in Figs...6 and 7.

iThe. action. of the spring 3l, inswing-ingthe arm.133, is limited byfthefcontact of the shoulders 52 and 53 against the stud-shaft .219.. upon-which are mounted. the. interconnected timefgear-2'4 IA and dialra42. Y

@Ifratvany time. during the usel of thisiimproved time-switch, it: becomes.necessary` to re-seti-the properly correspond with-'the time of day, it-is'onlynecessary to shiftthetime dials-42iaxially and disengage. the time gear 4 I- from the piniomL The dialrthencan berotated to bring the properigure into-alinernentwith-the pointer 63. AI1, when. thisadjustment made-and the timedial.42.is1released,.:ashoulder TI on one of the. trippersi'- shouldhappen to come to- 'rest on top ofrthe.v shoulden plateih,r thereis-nolikelihood, of the mechanism therebybeing rendered inoperative. This is for the-reason that the pinion 6 Iismadelof. sucha length'that itwill be engaged bythe .timefgearwlveven when suc-h a tripper shoulder y'ltrcoines tofrestonthe shoulder plate 4.a. Accordingly, the continued operation ofthe pinionii will causearotation of the dial 4I-and Very shortly shift the shoulder "llfoffrfrom---the shoulder plate 4B, thus rester-ingallV of the tripper` shouldersl Iiifn. the paths of their respectveplate sl'ioulde1's49.and 5.

lf, at any.;time,-it is desiredtomanuallylchange the position.. of-faswitchJ D,-l it is only -necessary to press the extension 54 on thea-rm34 in the opposite direction fromfthat-in which it is set, which willV reverse theposition of the switch y, ca-mi45.

switch to onposition and the mechanism will thus-fberestored to its automatic cycle.

The# lform off the 1Vswitch* t"13 used with this mechanism; is,-1of-course,deterwhich would be mined by the character of the equipment and the circuit which is to be controlled. Three types of switches are indicated in the accompanying drawingsand their functions hereinbefore indicated. Regardless of which one of the three panels herein shown is attached to the mountingr plate A, the pin 44 on the switch cam 45 is received in the socket 43 on the arm 34. Such an arrangement of interchangeable switch panels makes it possible for the manufacturer to provide the dealer with a number oi the switch operating mechanisms B, and control mechanisms C on mounting plates A, and varying quantities of the several types of switches D, thus the dealer may assemble a switch "D of the desired type with the other operating mechanisms, as the purchaser may require This avoids the necessity for the dealer having to stock a `complete time switch for each of the several types of circuits for which he may anticipate customers requests.

The switch operating mechanism B and its .control mechanism "C on the mounting plate A, with or without a switch D secured in place on the mounting plate A, is easily inserted in or removed from the housing E.

As most clearly indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 2, the mounting plate A, with or without a switch panel 12 attached thereto, is disposed at an angle so that the lower outside corners of the mounting plate A are positioned to be inwardly of and eventually to abut the shoulders 91, whereupon the mounting plate may be dropped onto the spring 26 and pressed against it so as to retract it and allow the hook il to embrace the upper edge of the plate A at the recess 22. The ledge |02 on the spring 00 provides a support for the upper end of the mounting plate A, and the spring holds the plate in contact with the shoulder 91. The spring shoulder |03 prevents the mounting plate A from being accidentally dislodged.

When it is desired to remove the mechanism 1 from the housing EL the spring 28, being so readily accessible, is easily depressed by a thumb or finger and, with the other hand grasping the dial 42, the plate A can be shifted to the incline position, shown in dotted outline in Fig. 2, whereupon the mechanism may be completely removed from the housing E.

Variations and modifications in the details of structure and arrangement of the parts may be 'resorted to within the spirit and coverage ofthe appended claims.

We claim:

l. In an adjustable time switch, the combination or a time driven wheel, switch closing and switch opening trippers adjustably mounted on said time wheel, switch contacts, contact actuating means for effecting the closing yand opening of said switch contacts, a rst pivoted arm mounted on a rst pivot axis and arranged to be oscillated first in one direction by one tripper on said wheel and then loscillated in the other direction by the other tripper on said wheel, a second pivoted arm mounted on a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis 'of said iirst pivoted arm and operatively connected'to transmit operating motion to said switch'a'ctuating means, iirst and second spring reaction shoulders on said first and second pivoted arms moving through the space between said first and second pivot axes on non-concentric, non-intersecting arcs, and compressionspring means tending constantly to exert a separating force between said .l0 first and second spring reaction shoulders for imparting a snap motion to said contact actuating means and switch contacts.

2. ln a time switch, the combination of switch contact means, switch actuating means for actuating said switch contact means, a time driven wheel, switch opening and switch closing trippers mounted on said time driven wheel, and snap actuating mechanism for transmitting a snap actuating motion from said trippers to said switch actuating means comprising a first pivoted arm pivotally mounted on a iirst pvot axis and arranged to be oscillated in one direction by one of said trippers and to be oscillated in the other direction by the other of said trippers, a second pivoted arm pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis which is spaced a substantial distance from said first pivot axis, said second pivoted arm being operatively connected to transmit motion to said switch actuating means, spring reaction shoulders on said two arms swinging in the space between said first and second pivot axes from one side to the other side of a straight line drawn between said iirst and second pivot axes and moving in separate non-intersecting, non-concentric arcs, and a compression spring operating in the space between said irst and second pivot axes and eX- erting aconstant separating force between said shoulders.

3. In a time switch of the class described, the combination of switch contact means, switch actuating means for actuating said switch contact means, a time driven wheel adapted to revolve through a complete revolution in a predetermined interval of time, switch opening and switch closing trippers adjustably mounted on said time driven wheel, and snap actuating mechanism'for transmitting a snap actuating motion from said trippers to said switch actuating means at the preselected times established by the settings of said trippers on said time driven wheel comprising a iirst pivoted arm pivotally mounted on a first pivot axis and arranged to be oscillated in one direction by one oi said trippers and to be oscillated in the other direction by the other of said trippers, a` second pivoted arm pivotally mounted on a second pivot axis which is parallel with lsaid first pivot axis but is spaced a substantial distance from said first pivot axis said second pivoted arm being operatively connected to transmit motion to said switch actuating means, spring reaction shoulders on said two arms swinging with said arms in the space between said rst and second pivot axes from one side to the other side of a straight line drawn between said first and second pivot axes and moving in non-intersecting, non-concentric arcs, and a U-shaped leaf type of compression spring having its end portions operating in the space between said rst and second pivot axes bearing against said spring reaction shoulders and exerting a constant separating force outwardly against said shoulders for pro# ducing a quick over-center snap action in the transmission of motion from said rst pivoted arm to said second pivoted arm. l

4. In a time switch, the combination of a ycontinuously rotating time indicating dial, a relatively stationary marker cooperating with the time indications on said dial, a dial driving gear connected to said dial, a motor driven gear with which said dial driving gear normally meshes, ari electric motor connected to continuously rotate said motor driven gear, said dial driving gear normally remaining in mesh with said motor drivengear for continuously rotating said dial throughoutfthe entire time that said electric mo'- tor'is-operating, switch closing and switclr opening trippers mounted said dia-l andi rotating continuously therewith, aA pivoted member arrangedfto beY osciil'ated in one direction by one of' said rotating'trippers and; the other directioni 'by' the other of said' rota-ting trippersg switch contacts, contact actuating: means: responsive to saidr pivoted' member for closing and.' openingsaid switch contacts, and' means.; enabling said. time indicating dial. and said dial driving gear to he shifted axially to a setting position. wherein said dial driving: gear isA unmeshed from said motor driven'.` gear andi'said; trippers are clear ofqsaid pivoted Amem-ber; in which. position said: dial can bezrota-tably adjusted relatively4 to said marker forgivingthe proper time setting to said dial.

5:. adusta-ble timefswitoh; comprising a mounting plate; au motor driven. pinion1 journaled von saidY mounting; plate; interclmniected:time` gear and; dial.. Vjournelied-i on. saidi mounting plante-` with said gear normallyinx-mesh: with said pinion, .a thrusting: springf'norma-lly urgingsaid. gear and dial. to.A main-tain. said gear inmesh: with `said pinion-,;a. switch cam havingpivctal mountingon "i said. plate, first second. switchactuatingarms pivoted on said plate," radially and circumferentiallyspaced shoulders on said. dial positioned to contact said iirst switch actuating arm` on. re-

spectively opposite sides of its pivot for oppositely shifting saidarm, said second arm being opera-- tively connectedwith-saidswitch cam and com;- pression spring means connecte-:l tororeate a confstantiseparatingr forcevbetwveen said and second arms and. adapted. to oppos-itely` snap the connection of saidseeondfarm'andsaid switch cam. acrossy a line' through. theY axis of the pivot mounting of said second: switch actuating arm and through the axis of thewpivctlmounting of saidl switch .cam-.when said iirstV arm is shifted on 5- itsfpivotby the respective shoulderasaid gear' and dial. boing.` axiallyshiftable aga-inst the actionof said thrusting spring to disengagesaid gear from said pinionto retractv said: dialshoulders from the path` ofsaid arm and permit rotative? movement o! said. dial..

fi.` In as time` switch, theo-combination of ay con,- tinuousl-y rotatingr time'indicating; dial, a relatively stationary marker coopera-tine the time; indicationsv on said dial, a dial drivinggear connected to said dial,. aimotor driven crear with which said dialtdriving gea-r. normally meshes; an! electrical-motor connected to. continuously rotate said. motor drivengear, said. dial driving gea-r normally remaining in, mesh with said. motor driven gear for continuously rotating saidf dial throughout the entire timel that saidfelectric. motor. 1s.- opera-ting, switch closing, and switch opening trippers mounted onsaid dial and: rotating continuously therewith.` a firstA pivoted ann mounted on aiirstpivot axis and arranged tofihe oscillated. first. in. one-direction by one of said tri-ppersandthen oscillated inthe other direction by thefother of said trippers, means ena-bling said time indicating dia-land said dial driving gear tube.- shiftedg `axially toav setting position wherein said dial dliivingv gear is unmeshedfrom said motor driven gear andI said tri-ppersr are: clear of saidiirst pivoted. afrrrr, in whichy position said dial. can. beirotatively adjusted relatively' tof said marker for givingthe proper time' setting toI said dial, a. second pivoted. arm mounted onfausecond pivot axis-'spacedfrom the firstfpivot axisaoi said mizi pivoted; arm, switch'. contacts. and. contact actuating meansxresponsiveto-said second. pivote'd arm, rst and. second; spring reaction'shouiders onsaid first and. second pivoted arms; moving through the space. betweenl saidz. first; and; second pivot axes on nonfconcentric, non-intersectmg, arcs, and. compression. spring means tending con'.- stantiy to exert? a separating force betweenisaid firstand. second? spring reaction shouldersi;

7:. In. aY time switch, the combination or a mounting, plate, a. pivotsupport' securedto said mounting plate, an interconne cted time indicating dial'. and'. driving` gear: rotatably andzshiitablyfsrm ported; by saidxpivot: supportg. an. electric;V motor, a pinionf'driven. thereby, thrusting: spring means thrusting said` diali and driving. `.gear to@ am axial position; on said4 pivot.` support ywhere. said geanis in; imesh. with said motorr driven pinion. fornor.- malls@ rotating: saidl dial'. continuouslyV throughout the entirei time thatsaid electric motor is: operanina. said thrusting; spring means enabling' said driving. gea-r to: befshifted` axially 'to a'fsetting position wherein it; isounmeshem from said; motor driven-pinion, switch; closing andiswitclr opening trippers.. mounted: on said time; indicating; .a rst pivoted' .arma mountedon. a: rst pivot'axis and arranged to bei oscillatcdV in: one direction-.hy one oi? said trippersi and; tov be oscillated inthe other direction-- by the other of. saiid trippers, a second pivoted.E arm vmounted;:onh a.. secondypivot axis spaced fromy the iirst. pivot axisof saiidiiilrst pivoted arm, a. switchv actuator responsievefto said second pivoted. arm, switch. contacts. responsive to said. switch actuaton. spring. reaction: shouldrsfon said first and: secondi pivoted; arms; moving: therewith' through` the space between saidniirstuand second pivot axes on non-intersecting anca: .and

spring means tending; constantly.' toexcrty asenara-tingforce'betweenrsaid spring `reaction simuliders..

8f. An aditistableA time switch comprising; .a mountingu plate,1 arrinteroonnected motor. driven timewheelandidial rotatably journaledz-on: said plate, first and. second switch actuatingv arms mountedy on. said. Vplate-im: independent swinging movement on laterally spaced pivotraXes-saidvsece ond. switch actuating` amr 'having axswitclnicam pin socket formedY therein; a switch panel.` deita'chably mounted onsaid' plate ancmounting one or more.v switch contactmem-bars fon. the; under side ofsaid panel, asv/itch cam-r having; pivot.' pin mounting on the under side of'saidpanel for; ac tuating. said' contact members, a pin: onzsaidswitch camextendingup througha slot in saiidr ipa-nel and seatedl in. the switchcam pin socket' formed in said second switch actuating arxrr, radially and circumferentially spaced shoulders oni-saiddial positioned; to contact said rst swi-tchactuating arm on respectively opposite sides fof its pivot tor oppositely shifting; said. latter. arm;l and: comprese sion spring means adapted. to. oppositely snap-the connection of .said second: switch;actuating.` arm and saidswtclr cam yacross a: line'y through the axisiot theV pivot'pin mounting; of said second switch*` actuatingar-nr andthrough' the axis of the-pivot pin mounting of said. switcha cam'. when said first switch actuating arm is shifted cnits pivot by the respective shoulders.

A9. adjustable time switch comprising; a mounting plate, an interconnected. motor driven timev wheel. and diialxrotatably.v journaled on said plate,. first' andY second'switch actuating arms pivotally mountedl on` said plate andsaidsecond arm having ar'switch cam pin socket fformed therein, a: switcfr'panel detachablyi mountedf 4ori-said plate and provided with" wparticuiar'arrangement 'of switchv contactY members; a `switch ycam 'swivel'ed on said switch panel and formed to actuate the respective contact members, a pin on said switch cam adapted to be seated in the pin socket of said second switch actuating arm, said switch panel having interchangeable mounting on said mounting plate for ready substitution by another switch panel having a different arrangement of switch contact members thereon, means for attaching either one of said switch panels on said plate with the respective switch cam pin of that panel seated in the pin socket of said second switch actuating arm, radially and circumferentially spaced shoulders on said dial positioned to contact said rst switch actuating arm on respectively opposite sides of its pivot for oppositely shifting said latter arm, and a U-shaped compressi-on spring connected to create a constant separating force between said first and second switch actuating arms f and adapted to oppositcly snap the connection of said secondarm and switch cam across a line through the pivot axis of said second arm and the pivot axis of said switch cam swivel when said first arm is shifted on its pivot by the respective shoulders.

10. In a time switch, the combination ci a mounting plate, a pivot support secured to said mounting plate, an interconnected time indicating dial and driving gear rotatably supported by said pivot support, an electric motor, a pinion driven thereby meshing with said driving gear for normally rotating said time indicating dial throughout the entire time that said electric motor is operating, switch closing and switch opening trippers mounted on said dial and rotating continuously therewith, a first pivoted armarranged to be oscillated first in one direction by one of said trippers and oscillated in the other direction bythe other of said trippers, a second pivoted arm mounted on a pivot axis spaced from the pivot axis of said rst pivoted arm, spring 'reaction shoulders on said first and second pivoted arms moving therewith through the space between the pivot axes of said first and second pivoted arms on non-intersecting arcs, compression spring means connected with said reaction shoulders and tending constantly to exert a separating force between said sholders, said rst and second pivoted arms being pivotally supported upon said mounting plate between said dial and said mounting plate and swinging in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said dial, a switch cam responsive to the motion of said second pivoted arm, and switch contacts controlled by said switch cam.

11. An adjustable time switch comprising, a mounting plate, an interconnected motor driven time wheel and dial rotatably journaled on said plate, a switch cam swiveled on said plate, first and second superimposed switch actuating arms spaced apart axially of said gear and dial, spaced pivot pins for pivoting said arms to said plate adjacent their respective opposite ends intermediate the axis and periphery of said dial for swinging movement in spaced parallel planes at right angles to the axes of said pivot pins, radially and circumierentially spaced shoulders on said dial positioned to contact said first arm on respectively opposite sides of its pivot for oppositely shifting said iirst arm, means on the second of said arms connecting it to said switch cam, shoulders formed on the opposed faces of said arms and spaced apart radially of said dial, and a U-shaped compression spring interposed between and contacting said arm shoulders and adapted to oppositely snap the connection of said second arm and said switch cam across a line through the pivot axes of said pair of arms when said first arm is shifted on its pivot by the respective dial shoulders, said U-shaped compression spring resiliently maintaining said iirst arm in each of its oppositely snapped positions independently of contact with said dial or dial shoulders.

12. An adjustable time switch comprising, a mounting plate, an interconnected motor driven time wheel and dial rotatably journaled on said plate, a switch cam swiveled on said plate, iirst and second arms pivotally mounted on said plate on spaced parallel pivot axes permitting said two arms to swing in spaced parallel planes at right angles to said pivot axes, a pair of shoulders on said rst arm arranged eccentrically of the pivot of said first arm and spaced at opposite sides oi' said first arm pivot radially of said dial, radially and circumierentially spaced shoulders on said dial positioned to respectively contact said rst arm shoulders for oppositely shifting said first arm between switch opening and switch closing positions, said second arm being operatively connected with said switch arm, and a compression spring interposed between said arms and actuated by the swinging of said rst arm to oppcsitely snap the connection of said second arm and said compression spring across a line through the pivot axes of said first and second arms when said first arm is shifted on its pivot by the engagement of said dial shoulders with the respective rst arm shoulders, said compression spring resiliently maintaining said iirst arm in its switch opening and in its switch closing positions independentlsr of contact with said dial or dial shoulders.

13. An adjustable time switch comprising, a mounting plate, an interconnected motor driven time wheel and dial rotatably journaled on said plate, a switch cam swiveled on said plate; first and second switch actuating arms pivotally mounted on said plate on spaced parallel pivot axes permitting said two arms to swing in spaced parallel planes at right angles to said pivot axes, a pair of shoulders on said rst arm arranged eccentrically of the pivot of said rst arm and spaced at opposite sides of said rst arm pivot radially of said dial, a pair of trippers circumferentially shiftable on said dial, said trippers each having a shoulder formed thereon for contacting said arm shoulders to shift said first arm on its pivot, the shoulder on one of said trippers being spaced axially from the shoulder on the other said tripper whereby the contact of said tripper shoulders with the respective first arm shoulders effects an opposite shifting of said first arm on its pivot alternately into a switch opening position and a switch closing position, said second arm being operatively 'connected with said switch cam, anda compression spring interposed between said arms and actuated by the swinging of said rst arm to oppositelysnap the connection of said second arm and said compression spring across a line through the pivot axes of said first and second arms when said rst arm is shifted on its pivot by the engagement of said tripper shoulders with the respective first arm shoulders, said compression spring resiliently maintaining said iirst arm in its switch opening and switch closing positions independently of contact with said trippers.

14. An adjustable time switch comprising, a mounting plate, a motor driven pinion journaled on said mounting plate, interconnected time gear and dial journaled on said mounting plate with anchoring thereof to 'said :housing inclined'in lyito :said housing top with the free' endof spring Abent to=formian offset in the planeet said rs said` gear'normallyini` meshfrwith' `saidl pinion to bef continuously driven thereby; a sadtchicam, an. arm-swingably mounted ori-,said plate and operatively-connected to'said .switch'cam to'actuate the 'latteralternately into'switch opening and-switch closngpositons, a pair of -shoulderson said arm arranged eocentrically of the pivot of said arm to said plate and spaced on opposite sides oisaid :pivot Aradially of said dial, radially andq circum .ferentiallyxspaced shoulders on said dial positioned: to `respectively lcontact 'said' arm `shoulders fior; oppositely shifting said arm, and mechanism including compression spring means adapted to transmit ,a-,snapmotion from said arm vto said -switch'- cam when said armis shifted onitspivot iby the contact -ofy saidy dialshoulders with said respective shoulders, said compression spring @means resiliently holdingA said switch carni in vswitchopening position and in its switch closing position independently of `contact of said Yarm 'Y 'shoulders with' `said Idial or dial shoulders said .sggear'and dial being-axially'shiftable to `disengage :said: gearv from said pinion' to retract said dial shoulders from the path of, said arm shoulders.

'15; In apparatus of the class vdescribed includ- 'ingaa unit `assembly comprising a mounting plate `havingfswitch lactuating means and motor driven vcontrol mechanism mounted on said plate for operating said switch actuating means, the coinbinationtherewithof .a housing for receiving said 'un-it assembly, horizontallyand vertically disposed lugsvpunched from `the sides of said housing to support said plate `,in spaced relationship to the `back-of saidhousing and to secure said plate against' shifting, and a` leaf spring anchored to the inside of the ftop endofisaidhousing above the `planefofV said plate when resting on said housing `lungs,:said--sprung havingthe part inwardly `the .,rd

ping means mounted onsaid wheel, -switchcontacts, contact actuating means'for'eiecting the voperation of saidfswitch contacts, aiirst `pivoted 4arm arranged to ibeoscillated bysaid switch ac- VVAtuating tripping means, a second pivoted arm mounted on a pivot axis 4spaced from theY pivot axis ofi `saidA rst pivoted anm and operatively connected to4 transmit operative-motion to'said VContact actuating means, and compression spring "meansacting on said first and second pivote'd arms inthespace-'between the pivot axes. ofsaid armsandtendingfto exert arseparating force between ,said arms.

i171. .In aftimeswitch, thecomhinationof a continuously rotating time indicating dial, a dial driving gear connected thereto, a motor driven `gear. with which said dial driving gear'normally meshes, an Velectric fmotor connected: to vcontinuously .rotate said motor driven gear, said `dial driving gear normally remaining. in .mesh with said motor driven gear for continuously" rotating said dial throughout the entire time' that said electric'motor is operating, switch actuatingctripping means mounted'on said dial, Laxpivoted member arranged to be oscillated. by said tripping means, contactactuating means responsive tosaid pivoted member, switch contacts responsive to said contact actuating means, andmeans-,enabling said dial driving gear torbeshifted axially out-fof mesh with said motor driven gear tovpermitsaid dial tobe rotatively adjustedfor giving thefproper time setting `to said dia-1 either before or :after said switch actuating tripping means has Abeen secured in set position on said dial.

18. The combination of mounting means, a pair of spaced superimposed arms swingably mounted on said mounting means on*V parallel pivot pins spaced sufficiently ifa-r apart to permit portions of said arms to swing in the spacebetweentl'ie axes of said pivot pins, shoulders on said arms positioned adjacent to but on opposite sidesfo'f a line through thefaxesof said pivot pins for shifting back and forth across said line, anda compression. spring operatively disposed in thespace between said pivot pin axes and arrangedrin con'- tact with said shoulders for oppositely snapping said arms when one of Asaid arms 'is oppositely shifted to move its shoulder across said line;

19. combinationl of mounting means, an oscillating actuating'member, a pair ofspaced superimposed arms, spaced parallel pivot pins pivotally mounting said pair of armsA on said mounting means on pivot axes spacedsullciently far apart to permit-portions of said armstoswing in the space between the axes of said pivotpins, one 'of said arms being connected to oscillatersaid member, shoulders on said arms normally positioned'adiacent tobut on opposite sideswofailine Vthrough the axis'of the swingablexconnectionsfof `said arms to said mounting means'for: shifting back. and forth across sai-d line, a compression spring arranged, to operate 'in Athe space between Vsaid pivotI pin axes and connected between said shouldersor oppostely snapping sai'darms when said `other arm is oppositelv lshifted to `moveits shoulder across said line, and meansforeecting the opposite shifting of said other arm;

WILLIAM P. GALLAGI-IER; ANTHONY DAN STOLLE.'

References Cited in ,the leof. this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSl 

